God is my witnessPaul begins by invoking God as his witness, emphasizing the sincerity and truthfulness of his statement. This reflects a common practice in ancient times where oaths or declarations were made in the presence of a deity to affirm their truth. In the context of the early church, this underscores the seriousness with which Paul regards his relationship with the Philippians. It also aligns with other instances in Scripture where God is called upon as a witness, such as in
Romans 1:9 and
2 Corinthians 1:23, highlighting the deep spiritual connection and accountability Paul feels.
how I long for all of you
Paul expresses a deep yearning for the Philippian believers, indicating a strong emotional bond. This longing is not just a personal affection but is rooted in their shared faith and partnership in the gospel. The use of the word "long" suggests an intense desire to be with them, reflecting the communal nature of early Christian communities. This longing is also seen in other letters, such as1 Thessalonians 3:6, where Paul expresses similar sentiments towards other churches, showing his pastoral heart and commitment to the spiritual well-being of his converts.
with the affection of Christ Jesus
Paul's affection for the Philippians is described as being "of Christ Jesus," indicating that it is not merely human emotion but is inspired and empowered by Christ himself. This phrase suggests that Paul's love for the Philippians is a reflection of Christ's own love for them, which is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It points to the transformative power of Christ's love in the believer's life, enabling them to love others in a Christ-like manner. This concept is echoed in other passages, such asGalatians 2:20, where Paul speaks of living by faith in the Son of God, who loved him and gave himself for him, illustrating the profound impact of Christ's love on his ministry and relationships.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle who wrote the letter to the Philippians. He is expressing his deep affection for the believers in Philippi.
2.
PhilippiansThe recipients of the letter, the Christian community in Philippi, a city in Macedonia.
3.
Christ JesusCentral figure of Christianity, whose love and affection Paul seeks to emulate in his relationship with the Philippians.
Teaching Points
The Depth of Christian LovePaul’s longing for the Philippians with the affection of Christ Jesus highlights the depth and sincerity of Christian love. This love is not superficial but rooted in the example of Christ.
God as WitnessInvoking God as a witness underscores the seriousness and truthfulness of our words and actions. It reminds us to live with integrity and sincerity in our relationships.
Emulating Christ’s AffectionAs believers, we are called to emulate the love and affection of Christ in our interactions with others. This involves selflessness, compassion, and genuine care.
Community and ConnectionPaul’s longing for the Philippians reflects the importance of community and connection within the body of Christ. We are encouraged to foster deep, meaningful relationships within our church communities.
Prayerful LongingPaul’s expression of longing is intertwined with prayer, suggesting that our desires for others should be brought before God, seeking His guidance and blessing.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Philippians 1:8?
2.How does Philippians 1:8 demonstrate Paul's deep affection for fellow believers?
3.What does "God is my witness" reveal about Paul's sincerity in Philippians 1:8?
4.How can we cultivate the same "affection of Christ Jesus" today?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize loving others with Christ-like affection?
6.How can we practically express Christ's love to our church community?
7.What does Philippians 1:8 reveal about Paul's relationship with the Philippians?
8.How does Philippians 1:8 demonstrate the depth of Christian love?
9.What is the significance of God as Paul's witness in Philippians 1:8?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Philippians 1?
11.What defines an intimate relationship with God?
12.In 2 Corinthians 2:4, is Paul’s emotional distress genuine or a literary device to manipulate his readers?
13.In 2 Corinthians 10:10, Paul is described as unimpressive in person yet bold in letters; does this conflict with other biblical portrayals of him as a charismatic figure?
14.Proverbs 19:17 suggests a guaranteed divine reward for helping the poor--why do many charitable people still face hardship with no apparent 'repayment'?What Does Philippians 1:8 Mean
God is my witnessPaul calls on the Lord Himself to vouch for the truthfulness of his feelings.
• This oath underscores absolute sincerity; Paul is not exaggerating (Romans 1:9;1 Thessalonians 2:5, 10).
• Invoking God reminds the Philippians that every thought and motive lies open before Him (Hebrews 4:13).
• Such transparency models godly integrity for the church, encouraging believers to speak with the same honesty before God and one another (2 Corinthians 1:23).
how I long for all of youPaul’s yearning is personal and comprehensive—no one in Philippi is left out.
• His desire reflects genuine pastoral love (Philippians 4:1;2 Timothy 1:4).
• Longing points to fellowship as a vital means of grace: believers grow when physically present with one another (Romans 15:23–24).
• The phrase carries a sense of active concern; Paul’s heart is set on their spiritual progress (1 Thessalonians 3:10).
with the affectionThe term describes deep, gut-level compassion that moves a person to action.
• Such warmth goes beyond surface politeness; it embraces sacrificial involvement (2 Corinthians 7:15).
• Scripture repeatedly calls saints to clothe themselves with this sort of tenderheartedness (Colossians 3:12;1 Peter 3:8).
• When affection thrives, unity follows, silencing grumbling and rivalry (Philippians 2:1–2).
of Christ JesusPaul’s love is not merely his own; it is Christ’s love flowing through him.
• The indwelling Savior enables believers to love with divine capacity (Galatians 2:20).
• Christ’s love compels service, even when inconvenient or costly (2 Corinthians 5:14;John 13:34).
• By rooting his affection in Christ, Paul guarantees that it is pure, steadfast, and fruitful (John 15:12–13).
summaryPhilippians 1:8 reveals a pastor whose transparent honesty, inclusive longing, heartfelt compassion, and Christ-centered love set the pattern for every believer. God Himself testifies to the sincerity of a love so deep that it mirrors the very heart of Jesus, calling the church to embody that same holy affection in all relationships.
(8)
God is my record.--We have a similar adjuration in
Romans 1:9;
2Corinthians 1:23;
1Thessalonians 2:5;
1Thessalonians 2:10. These instances show in what sense St. Paul interpreted such commands as the "swear not at all" of
Matthew 5:34.
In the bowels of Jesus Christ.--The use of the word, which we translate (not very happily or correctly) by "bowels," is common with St. Paul. (See2Corinthians 6:12;2Corinthians 7:15;Colossians 3:12;Philemon 1:7;Philemon 1:12;Philemon 1:20.) It corresponds to our use of "heart" as the seat of affection--the word "heart" itself in the New Testament being employed, in a wider sense, to signify the whole inner man. (SeeEphesians 1:18 : "the eyes of your heart being enlightened," and Note there.) But the phrase here is striking and even startling. "I long after you" (says St. Paul) "in the heart of Jesus Christ." He can say (as inGalatians 2:20), "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Hence the deep yearning of love which he feels for them he knows to be an emanation, faint indeed, but true, from the "heart of Jesus Christ" dwelling in him. . . .
Verse 8. -
For God is my record - rather,
witness (comp.
Romans 1:9) -
how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. The word
σπλάγχνα, here rendered "bowels," means the heart, liver, etc.. he not the entrails. The expression is remarkable, and is well illustrated by Bengel's striking words, "Paulus non in Pauli, sed Jesu Christi movetur visceribus." "Not I, but Christ liveth in me." He is so united with Christ that he feels with the heart of Christ, he loves with the love of Christ.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
God [is]Θεός(Theos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.witnessμάρτυς(martys)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3144:A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a 'martyr'.howὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.I long forἐπιποθῶ(epipothō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1971:From epi and potheo; to dote upon, i.e. Intensely crave possession.allπάντας(pantas)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.of youὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.withἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] affectionσπλάγχνοις(splanchnois)Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4698:Probably strengthened from splen; an intestine; figuratively, pity or sympathy.of ChristΧριστοῦ(Christou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.Jesus.Ἰησοῦ(Iēsou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.
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NT Letters: Philippians 1:8 For God is my witness how (Philipp. Phil. Php.) 
